blue nose etymology

Etymology

The term "blue nose" is thought to have originated in the 18th century.

  • Blue: Refers to the bluish or purplish coloration of the tip of the nose, especially in cold weather.
  • Nose: Denotes the part of the face used for breathing and smelling.

Meaning

A "blue nose" typically refers to a person who is:

  • From a cold climate, where exposure to cold temperatures can cause the nose to turn blue.
  • Conservative or old-fashioned, often in a prudish or puritanical way.
  • A person from the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, which is nicknamed "Canada's Blue Nose" for its cold winters.

Origin

The term "blue nose" has been used in various contexts throughout history.

  • Maritime: In the early 1800s, the term was used to describe British sailors who had served in the cold waters of the North Sea. Their frequent exposure to cold weather caused their noses to turn blue.
  • Newfoundland: In the 1850s, the term was applied to immigrants from Newfoundland to Canada. These immigrants were often seen as being conservative and puritanical.
  • Nova Scotia: By the late 1800s, "blue nose" became synonymous with people from Nova Scotia, which has a cold climate and a reputation for conservatism.

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